Evaluation of Tread Wear

Abstract

Abstract The observed existence of a linear log-log relationship between nonskid loss and mileage in a great number of widely different types of tests may be exploited in order to realize substantial savings in the road testing of tires for tread wear. In many evaluations it is common practice for the Gates Rubber Co. to test tires to one half initial nonskid depth or to some arbitrary mileage only. The regression line and mileage to baldness are then determined. Of course, the greater the amount of data, and the more accurately controlled the conditions of testing, the more reliable will be the mileage to baldness. If in tread wear evaluations tests were terminated prior to baldness, about $180 could be saved for each passenger tire tested, and $490 for each truck tire, for every 10,000 miles. One investigation, to determine the effect of three different tire designs on tread wear, was made at a total cost of $2200. If all tires had been tested to baldness, the cost would have been approximately $4600. In comparison with former common practice, the application of the proposed method of analysis of tire wear measurements can result in more reliable tread wear evaluations, more economical utilization of the tire test fleet, and a more rapid turnover of ideas.